New Nets, Same Ol' Jersey

After 6 1/2 seasons of prosperous winning, the trio of Richard Jefferson, Jason Kidd and Vince Carter is no longer, with the lone man being "Vinsanity" to lead the charge in the Izod Center. Not known as much of a leader and having simultaneously disappointed and captivated fans for his injuries and high-flying dunks, Carter will be counted on to make the New Jersey Nets count in a stronger Eastern Conference.

Kidd's replacement is Devin Harris, the former Dallas Maverick who helped the Texan team make the 2006 NBA Finals, and he will surely grow with his increased minutes and firm stance as the starting full-time point guard. Young big men Josh Boone and Sean Williams are the only other carry-overs from the previous 2008 season, aside from Stromile Swift (who is sure to be a virtual non-factor on the team). Boone has struggled with shoulder injuries the past two years and is finally looking to put his health issues and inconsistency behind him; Williams had a promising showing as a 2007-08 All-Rookie Team player and his development as an offensive force will be even more devastating with his ability to defend and block shots with enthusiasm.

The competition for the frontcourt positions doesn't stop at Williams and Boone. Ryan Anderson, a 6'10" rookie 1st-round pick from California, is a combo forward that play easily on the block and from the perimeter, and Yi Jianlian does similar things in his 7-foot frame (albeit with more pressure coming from his native China), who is a shoo-in as the starting small forward, despite his shortcomings as a young player. The Stanford twin Brook Lopez (whose brother Robin is a Phoenix Sun) is probably the best young post prospect in the league and looks to make a major impact in the paint and from the elbows of the painted lane; he projects to be the starting center, if Boone does measure up as an ideal match-up offensively. Eduardo Najera joins to provide some muscle off of the bench in all three frontcourt positions.

Other options at small forward also include Jarvis Hayes (a shooter), Bobby Simmons (an injury-prone, inside-outside threat) and Trenton Hassell (a defensive specialist)--someone will have to go. Competing for backup guard duty will be Keyon Dooling (a combination guard with scoring and distribution ability), Maurice Ager (a solidly skilled, young swingman) and Chris Douglas-Roberts, who instantly became the steal of the entire 2008 NBA Draft, as the All-American from the University of Memphis slipped to the second round.

There is much inexperience, but also much talent and a rag-tag group at that. The Nets will need to mesh early, compete hard and establish a solid rotation within the first two months to make a good run toward the playoffs; it isn't impossible, but it may be a daunting task.